Illinois law mandates that a financial power of attorney must be in writing. The principal must sign the document, or another individual may sign on their behalf in their conscious presence under their explicit direction. The signature requires notarization to ensure authenticity.
Probate is just one way to settle an estate when someone dies. And it's not always required. Illinois law allows a different and simplified procedure for handling small estates. A small estate is one with no land and less than $100,000 in total assets.
However, a general power of attorney only operates while you are still coherent and mentally capable. It automatically expires upon incapacity or death. A durable power of attorney remains operational upon incapacity, although it expires upon death.
The Health Care Surrogate Act allows family members or friends to make medical decisions in an emergency or serious health situation when a person with special needs cannot make medical decisions for himself and if no relevant power of attorney or similar is in effect.
The purpose of this Power of Attorney is to give your designated "agent" broad powers to handle your financial affairs, which may include the power to pledge, sell, or dispose of any of your real or personal property, even without your consent or any advance notice to you.
When a person dies in Illinois, anyone who has a claim against a decedent's estate —whether it is a contract, tort, or statutory custodial claim—may file that claim with the estate representative or with the court.
Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) in Illinois is a legal instrument that empowers another individual, known as an agent or attorney-in-fact, to make decisions on your behalf. This arrangement becomes particularly vital if you're unable to make decisions due to illness or incapacity.
The POA can be written to limit your agents powers or to give them unlimited powers, including, but not limited to: Make real estate or personal property transactions. Control bank (or other financial institution) transactions or accounts. Contribute to, or withdraw from, retirement plans.